A number of local businesses took the option to close the doors or trade for half day only to avoid the pungent odours and noise caused by Council works along Grant St in the centre of Port Douglas last week.

Businesses on the street received correspondence from Council about the intended works and as such some outlets like highly popular ‘Café Fresq’ closed the doors for the day while the improvements took place.

“Council has been undertaking a replacement of the existing water main in Grant Street due to the local pipe network being at the end of its service life and its consequential unreliability of water supply for businesses,” Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr told Newsport.

“Works are predominately complete on Grant Street however a connection to an existing water main on Macrossan St identified additional issues which has subsequently delayed final completion of the project.

“Council understands the frustrations experienced, and the strain these upgrades place on local businesses.

“Council staff are continuing to work closely with owners and managers to minimise impacts to their trading and provide continuity of water supply throughout the construction period.

“We apologise for the inconvenience but these planned, proactive upgrades are preferable to unplanned repairs on a constant basis.”